Young people aged 11 to 19 years have until 17 September 2016 to enlist in the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps for the new school year.

The free youth development programme focusses on discipline, citizenship, education and other positive activities. Subjects on which new Cadets will receive instruction include camping, first-aid, skill-at-arms, seamanship, drill and parades; as well as community outreach, citizenship, leadership and sports.

In addition to recruiting student members from across the Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, it is also seeking adult leaders.

Noting that the Cadet Corps has established a reputation for excellence since it was introduced locally in 2003, its Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Bobeth O’Garro, CCM, adds, “The programme covers areas of interest as diverse as the young people themselves, from music and camping to other activities.”

The Government-sponsored programme, requires about five hours each week — including after school and weekends. Recruits undergo a three-month recruitment process, then transition into a training regimen that can cover a four-year period.

Regarding leadership recruitment for the programme, Lt. Col. O’Garro says adults who wish to join as volunteer instructors should be over 21 years old.  Previous military or cadetting experience is welcomed, but not necessary, as training is provided.  For the new term the organisation is particularly seeking musicians, as well as men and women with marine experience.

While it has been based at Bodden Town’s James Manoah Bodden Civic Centre in recent years, the Corps will relocate next month to a new headquarters in George Town.

Anticipating continued growth as they move to a central location, the Commandant mentions that a goal for the immediate future is to have at least ten-percent of the high school population enlisted in Cadetting, and “to ensure that it is a fun, stimulating experience for the youth”.

The application period begins today, Wednesday, 17 August 2016, and will continue through 17 September.  Later applications will be considered for January 2017.  To sign-up, or for more information, visit the Cadet Corps website, www.cicadetcorps.ky, call 946-9810 or 938-8821, email: [email protected] , or follow the Cadets on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/caymanislands.cadetcorps